Bread of Life

 

Today is family dinner day!  To say I am excited would be an understatement.  We all made a commitment at the beginning of the year to get together at least every other month and break bread together.  Since then, we have had some wonderful dinners together – enjoying good food but more importantly, enjoying the love shared within our family.  Sometimes we celebrate birthdays (like we will be celebrating Nanny’s today😊).  Other times, it is just the fact that we are together for another dinner that makes the day special.  There is something about eating together that brings comfort and joy.  It is not only in today’s times, but also in Biblical times as we see in today’s verse.

I reflected on the many times in the Bible people broke bread together or ate together and how often food was the center point for many of our familiar Bible stories and parables.  The word bread is mentioned 492 times in the Bible.  From manna with the Israelites to fishes and loaves of bread at the feeding of the 5,000, bread is often referenced.  It was a staple at the table in Biblical times.  It can be that way in today’s times as well.  How many times do you go out for dinner and a basket of bread is brought to the table?

As we know, bread and Jesus have many correlations.  The strongest is when Jesus refers to himself as the Bread of Life.

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  John 6:35.

When Jesus shares this beautiful declaration, he is sharing that He is all we need in life.  He will “fill us up” with all that we need, body and soul, to live our earthly lives.  By believing in Him, we will never go hungry or thirst, as he will provide.  How many times have you questioned God by saying “Where are you?  Why don’t you help me?  Whether it is struggling to buy groceries or struggling with grief and heartache, there are times when we wonder if God is out there for us.

Never wonder – God will give us exactly what we need when we need it.  Whether it is a piece of bread or peace of mind, when we go to God with our troubles, He will respond.  Remember, God loves you.  You are His child; He will always be there for you.  He is there with you at every meal and every moment of the day.  Be grateful and thank Him for your daily bread! 

Heavenly Father, we thank you for being with us at every meal as we break bread.  We thank you that you are our Bread of Life and that we will have eternity with you.  May we celebrate this at The Lord’s Supper table during communion and lift your name up in praise.  In your ever-giving name we pray.  Amen!